Study of hydrogen characteristics and simulation of its behavior under external stimuli

• Grant number: 18/14234-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Lenyra Meirelles Campos Titotto
• Grantee: Daniela Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/00654-7 - 3D-4D printed materials and their response to external stimuli, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

The present research project aims to contribute as a fundamental research for the study of the use of hydrogels via 4D printing by injection as a substitute for worn cartilages. The importance of this theme is due to the fact that cartilage problems are increasingly frequent due to the aging of the population. Thus, it is fundamental to study the physico-chemical characteristics of these materials when stimulated to understand if their use in this application is viable. In this context, the project aims to contribute to such research through areas that involve material engineering, biomimetics and simulation. In this way, the mechanical strength, elasticity and turgidity of the chitosan hydrogel will be studied, mainly via Science Direct, Scientific Reports and Research Gate. About its structure, there will be a bibliographical research on the parameters of physical state of the hydrogels, which are related to the 4D impression. In reference to external stimuli, theoretical studies will be carried out on how the hydrogel behaves on pH and temperature variation, and will be simulations and representations of this behaviour via parametrization BIM. In addition, there will also be a theoretical study on what is capable of altering the volume of the hydrogel, and simulations that demonstrate this action. For such graphical representations and simulations, the Rhinoceros software with Grasshopper plugin and the SolidWorks/Flow Simulation will be used. During the validity of the scholarship, articles will be submitted for national and/or international publications and it is expected that the project contributes with the situation presented.